Spring-suspended bicycle hand grip

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a bicycle grip ( 11 ), comprising a grip element ( 1 ) that has a support part ( 3 ), a holding element ( 4, 5 ) and a spring element ( 5 ), wherein the spring element ( 5 ) and the holding element ( 4, 5, 7 ) can be arranged inside a steering tube ( 12 ) of a bicycle handlebar, wherein the spring element ( 5 ) can be non-rotatably connected to the holding element ( 4, 6, 7 ) and the grip element ( 1 ) such that, when the support part ( 3 ) exerts force against a spring force of the spring element ( 5 ), a rotational movement of the grip element ( 1 ) can be performed around the tube central axis of the steering tube ( 12 ).

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a bicycle grip for a handlebar of a bicycle, wherein the grip comprises particularly a wing shape.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

On a bicycle, the two bicycle grips are the only connection human/machine where the human skin comes unprotected and constantly in contact with the bicycle. Almost all grips are cylindrical and need to be enclosed and held by a hand, leading over time to fatigue and being uncomfortable. Road impact directly affects the hands, arms, and shoulders. Manufacturers try to create a higher comfort level by using various materials. Some grips have so called palm rests, particularly a wing-like bulge on the outer surface of the grip. Often, however, the grip is simply slid onto the handle bar. In this case, the wing can be twisted under load and become unusable. To avoid this problem, grips have an outer clamping that prevents the twisting. For these grips, in particular a composite material provides a desired damping and light spring action. A disadvantage of different plastic materials may be a decomposition especially of the softer plastic material caused by sweat from the hand and, further, unsightly dirt deposits on the grip and on the hand. Furthermore, the spring action of known grips is rather low, in particular not or barely recognizable.

From the DE 20 2004 008 297 U1, a bicycle grip having a wing shape and comprising a soft and a solid layer of plastic material is known, which comprises a minimum of suspension from the grip material itself.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object to provide a bicycle grip having an improved spring action. In particular, it is an object to provide a bicycle grip where the suspension of the bicycle grip is realized independently from the material of the grip element.

According to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention a bicycle grip is proposed for achieving the object, the bicycle grip, comprising a grip element that has a support part, a holding element, and a spring element, wherein the spring element and the holding element can be arranged inside a steering tube of a bicycle handlebar, wherein the spring element is non-rotatably connectable to the holding element and the grip element, such that by application of a force to the support part against a spring force of the spring element, a rotational movement of the grip element about the tube center axis of the steering tube is executable.

The invention reduces or overcomes the above mentioned drawbacks with the features of the independent claim. Further advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

In particular, it is provided to design the shape of the support part such that the grip element comprises a wing type shape. In particular, the right choice of a wing shape allows that the hands, respectively, can rest comfortably with the entire surface. Preferred is a shape with an area that is at least by factor 1.1 larger as that of currently known wing shapes to arrange a force that has an impact on the support surface with a larger lever. In known systems, the size of the palm support does not matter in this context.

According to an embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the grip element can be rotated by hand about the center axis of the steering tube against the spring force from an initial position, in which no force is applied to the grip element, by at least 10 degrees, preferably by at least 15 degrees, and more preferably by at least 20 degrees. The resilient rotatability of the grip to the named maximal deflection is carried out under maximum hand load by the driver and, thus, depends from the weight and force of the driver. Potholes, curbs, and similar obstacles that appear can be absorbed or attenuated by the resilient rotatability while the palms still rest on the wings. Due to the separation of the spring force and the material of the grip element, materials can be used for the first time that so far due to their hardness where not suited. Advantageous is particularly an ergonomically formed bicycle grip in the shape of a wing grip with large palm rests that is spring-mounted.

According to an embodiment, the grip element is made of wood. Preferably, the wood is finely sanded and oiled. Wood has a noticeably more pleasant feel compared to other materials such as rubber, etc. In particular, the use of wood also results in less or no deposits and soiling. A plastic material that is very dense and smooth is also feasible as material for the grip element to reach the above mentioned requirements. In particular, it is possible to use the surfaces of the grip element for advertisements for companies, for instance by dying the material in company logo colors and patterns.

Particularly advantageous is the use of wood grips, since a pleasant feel encounters a great spring suspension comfort. The proposed spring system has further a feature that enables a broad application to many classes of bikes; contrary to suspension forks, the suspension effect can be activated or deactivated. The spring system is activated when the palms rest relaxed on the grip element and can be deactivated by tensing the palms. Accordingly, a very direct connection with the bicycle grip is developed.

Every driver can in accordance with a particular embodiment adjust the effect of the spring element individually. In particular, the spring force can be adjusted by adjusting the length of the spring and, thus, of the spring element.

Preferably, the spring element can be rod-shaped and comprise, in particular, a polygonal profile, preferably, a square profile.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the bicycle grip further comprises a holding element, for example, in form of a mount, for securing the spring element at an end and an adjustment means, for example, in form of a block, for adjusting the spring force of the spring element.

Preferably, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the adjustment means is movable relative to the spring element in axial direction of the spring element and torque proof to the spring element.

Furthermore, it is preferred in accordance with a further embodiment that the grip element is movable relative to the steering tube from an initial position, in which no force is applied to the grip element, to an fixation position, such that the grip element is gradually adjustable relative to the steering tube in a plurality of attack angles and fixable on the steering tube. This allows an accurate radial adjustment of the position of the support surfaces.

The individual embodiments of the invention can of course be combined with each other, which may partially develop beneficial effects that may go beyond the sum of individual effects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings. Shown are highly schematic

FIG. 1 in a cross-sectional view the individual parts of an adjustable spring-suspended bicycle grip;

FIG. 2 an exploded drawing of a bicycle grip; and

FIG. 3 additional individual parts of an alternative bicycle grip in a perspective or cross-sectional view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows in a cross-sectional view the parts of an adjustable spring-suspended bicycle grip. In particular, a steering tube 12, a holding element 4 with a collar 13 and a grip element 1 with a support part 3 are illustrated. The elements further shown here will be discussed in detail in connection with FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 shows in an exploded drawing a curved grip element 1 in form of a bicycle wing grip including a support part 3 for an improvement of the palm rest. To mount the grip element 1 resilient at the steering tube 12, a holding element 4, which is fixable in the steering tube 12, for example, bonded or screwed, or formed as a part of the steering tube, and a torsion rod 5 as a spring element, which extends the steering tube 12 and is secured on a mount 6 that is permanently connected with the holding element 4, are provided.

Within the holding element 4 a block 7 is movably positioned. The block 7 influences the resilience of the torsion rod 5 in a known way by increasing or reducing the spring length. The influence is caused by enlargement or reduction of the free length of the torsion rod 5. The free length can be adjusted frontal with screw 8. The torsion rod 5 has a profile that enables the positive connection with the clutch shaft 9. The profile is preferably a square profile. The clutch shaft 9 is designed such that the wing shaped grip element 1 can be secured at various rotation angles. This is enabled, for example, by providing the grip element 1 on the outside with a fine gearing 14 and by providing the inside the grip positioned clutch bearing 10 with a corresponding inner gearing.

Further possible is a helical formed torsion rod that enables fine tuning the grip angle with a minimal axial displacement of the grip for a couple of millimeters.

The final fixation of the grip element 1 on the steering tube 12 is carried out by sliding the grip element 1 on the steering tube 12 until the gearing 14 grips and by a following clamping utilizing a set screw or similar.

The rotatably mounted wing-shaped support part 3 as part of the grip element 1 receives its suspension from the torsion rod 5 that is fixed to the steering tube 12 by means of the holding element 4 and mount 6. The torsion rod 5 is on the grip side connected with the clutch shaft 9 and the clutch bearing 10. Through this suspension, road impact while riding the bicycle will not anymore be directly transferred to the arms of the driver or a sudden bending of the upper body is cushioned by a yielding of the torsion rod. The torsional stiffness can be controlled by a sliding of the block 7 and can be set by using a screw 8. The exact position of the wing of the grip or its support part 3 can be set by sliding the grip element 1 onto the gearing of the clutch shaft 9 and the clutch bearing 10 at different radial positions.

In the FIG. 3, further individual parts of an alternative bicycle grip, which can, for example, cooperate with the grip element shown in FIG. 1, are illustrated. A spring steel element 16 is slidingly insertable into a holding element that is formed as a sleeve 15, such that a widened end portion 17 of the spring steel element is insertable in a groove-shaped recess 21 of the sleeve 15. The other end portion 18 of the spring steel element has an opening 19 into which a countersunk screw, not shown here, can be inserted. The end portion 18 faces the steering tube opening once the sleeve is inserted. The sleeve further includes ribs 22, which can form a frictional connection with a plastic or rubber sleeve 23 that can be slipped over the sleeve 15. The plastic sleeve 23 is compressed using screwing elements 24, 25 that are screwed onto the two threads 26, 27 of the sleeve 15, such that the outer diameter of the plastic sleeve 23 is increased and, thus, abuts against an inner wall of the steering tube and is there non-rotatably connected to the steering tube. Since the screwing element 24 is positioned within the steering tube, the diameter of the screwing element 24 needs to be adapted to the inner diameter of the steering tube. Furthermore, an end bolt 28 is shown, which can be attached to the sleeve 15, preferably on the side 29 of the sleeve 15. The end bolt 28 includes a groove 30 in which the spring steel element 16 is slidingly insertable. The end bolt may further include an opening 31 having an inner thread 32 in which the above-mentioned countersunk screw can be screwed to secure the spring steel element 16. A further opening 33 having an inner tread 34 is provided for receiving an insertion stud 35 having a respective outer thread 36. The insertion stud penetrates the two end portions 37, 38 a through hole and a blind hole of the grip element (FIG. 1), wherein the insertion stud 35 is at the end portion 37 rotatable from the outside of the grip element utilizing a tool holder 39.

In contrast to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the spring force can not be adjusted with the elements of the bicycle grip shown in FIG. 3.

It should be noted that the term “comprise” does not exclude further elements or method steps, as well as the term “a” or “an” does not exclude several element or steps.

The used reference numbers only serve for increasing the comprehensibility and should not be viewed as limiting in any case, while the scope of the invention is represented by the claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   1 grip element -   2 sleeve -   3 support part, wing-shaped -   4 holding element, sleeve -   5 spring element in form of a torsion rod -   6 mount for the torsion rod -   7 movable block -   9 clutch shaft -   10 clutch bearing -   11 bicycle grip -   12 steering tube -   13 collar -   14 fine gearing -   15 sleeve -   16 spring steel element -   17 end portion -   18 end portion -   19 opening -   21 recess -   22 rips -   23 plastic sleeve -   24 screwing element -   25 screwing element -   26 thread -   27 thread -   28 end bolt -   29 side -   30 groove -   31 opening -   32 inner thread -   33 opening -   34 inner thread -   35 insertion stud -   36 outer thread of 35 -   37 end portion -   38 end portion -   39 tool holder 

1. A bicycle grip, comprising: a grip element slideable onto a steering tube of a bicycle handle bar, said grip element having a support part, suitable for resting a palm; a holding element; and a spring element, wherein the spring element and the holding element are arrangeable inside the steering tube, and the spring element is non-rotatably connectable to the holding element and the grip element such that, by application of a force to the support part against a spring force of the spring element, a rotational movement of the grip element about a center axis of the steering tube is executable.
 2. The bicycle grip of claim 1, wherein the grip element is made of wood.
 3. The bicycle grip of claim 1, wherein spring element is rod-shaped and comprises a profile selected from the group consisting of a polygonal profile and a square profile.
 4. The bicycle grip of claim 1, wherein the spring force is adjustable by adjusting a length of the spring element.
 5. The bicycle grip of claim 1, wherein the grip element is rotatable by hand about the center axis of the steering tube against the spring force from an initial position, in which no force is applied to the grip element, by an amount selected from the group consisting of at least 10 degrees, at least 15 degrees, and at least 20 degrees.
 6. The bicycle grip of claim 1, further comprising: a mount for securing an end of the spring element; and an adjustment means for adjusting the spring force of the spring element.
 7. The bicycle drip of claim 6, wherein the adjustment means is movable relative to the spring element in an axial direction of the spring element.
 8. The bicycle grip of claim 1, wherein the grip element, in an initial position in which no force is applied to the grip element, is movable relative to the steering tube to a fixation position, the grip element being adjustable relative to the steering tube in a step-wise manner to any one of a plurality of attack angles at which the grip element is fixable to the steering tube.
 9. A handlebar grip, comprising: a grip element having a tubular hollow; a fastening element having a substantially tubular body; and a torsional spring element, wherein said tubular body extends into said tubular hollow, said torsional spring element extends along a central longitudinal axis of said tubular body, and said grip element is asymmetric relative to a longitudinal axis of said tubular hollow, an asymmetric portion of said grip element comprising a palm rest.
 10. The handlebar grip of claim 9, wherein: said grip element is wooden.
 11. The handlebar grip of claim 9, wherein: said torsional spring element exerts a torque in a direction circumferential to said central longitudinal axis that returns said grip element to an initial position relative to said fastening element when said grip element is rotated from said initial position in a direction circumferential to said central longitudinal axis.
 12. The handlebar grip of claim 9, wherein: said torsional spring element is selected from the group of torsional spring elements consisting of a torsion rod, a torsion rod having a polygonal cross-section, a torsion rod having a square cross-section and a flattish bar-shaped torsion spring.
 13. The handlebar grip of claim 9, wherein: said grip element is interconnected to said fastening element via said torsional spring element.
 14. The handlebar grip of claim 9, comprising: a toothed coupling piece, wherein said torsional spring element is connected to said grip element via said toothed coupling piece.
 15. The handlebar grip of claim 14, wherein: said toothed coupling piece allows said grip element to be connected to said torsional spring element at any one of an integer plurality of positions of rotation around said central longitudinal axis.
 16. The handlebar grip of claim 9, wherein: a spring adjustment element for adjusting a stiffness of a torsional spring formed by said torsional spring element.
 17. The handlebar grip of claim 16, wherein: said spring adjustment element adjusts said stiffness of said torsional spring by adjusting a length of said torsional spring. 